Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to know about shipping to / from Australia?

A: Since Shipping2Australia.com only work with top rated fully qualified and bonded shipping companies, you should rest assured that they will do all the work for you. They should get the final approval on whatever cargo you are shipping to / from Australia. This includes producing valid and legal export documentation. As the person doing the shipping, you should only have to sign the instructions for export. Although, you may need to present commercial invoices on merchandise that is applicable.

Q: How do you deal with local customs when shipping to / from Australia?

A: Many governments across the globe do require duties for cargo being shipped to / from Australia. Local laws and regulations may have an impact on what you want to ship and the costs involved. Laws may vary depending on whether you shipment consists of commercial cargo or just household goods. Be prepared, if you have any new appliances or other merchandise in your shipment, make sure to have their receipts ready for presentation. You could always refer to your shipping company to help you deal with your local government regulations.

Q: Will I responsible for sudden charges presented by my local government on my shipment to / from Australia?

A: The shipping company should do it's best to foresee all potential charges that may arise. Items such as destination charges and port fees are the responsibility of the person receiving the shipment.

Q: What is the maximum liability a shipping company is held to with regards to a car?

A: According to Maritime Law, shipping companies are limited to a liability on overseas car shipments. The current amount that a shipping company can be held liable for is a maximum of $500 per vehicle.

Q: Should I purchase marine insurance when shipping my car?

A: At Shipping2Australia.com we strongly recommended that you purchase insurance for your car shipment. Make sure your policy covers the vehicle and the shipping charges.

Q: What type of appliances may I bring?

A: If you are moving to Australia then you may bring one of each of the following items:

Computer

Monitor

Printer

Vacuum cleaner

Vegetable juicer

Citrus juicer

Food processor

Radio

Sewing machine

Iron

Bicycle

Hair dryer

Slide projector

Knitting machine

Coffee grinder

Alarm clock radio

Vaporizer

Toaster

Toaster oven

Mixer

Crepe maker

Ice cream maker

Portable word processor

Electric kettle

Hand power tools

Meat grinder

Hot water urn

Coffee maker

Deep fryer

Popcorn maker

Espresso machine

Rug shampooer

Floor polisher

Can opener

Electric knife

Answering machine

Electric skillet

Electric blanket

Garbage disposal

Hot water dispenser

Two or three of each of the following:

Fans

Heaters

Telephones

Q: What are the different types of shipping methods I can use?

A: Depending on how large of a move you are planning on making, shipping companies will recommend different methods for moving your belongings. For example, if you are moving the contents of a fully furnished 5 bedroom home, a shipping company would recommend you hiring the "sole use" of a shipping container. The container will be used only for your belongings and this is usually the most convenient and economical option for large households.

If your move involves a single apartment, the "shared" or "groupage" option would probably be more cost effective. In the "shared" option you share the shipping container with other individuals who also have small amounts to ship. Of course, the "shared" option is really only possible in major cities where chances of finding people making the same move to / from Australia as you are higher.

Q: What is meant by shipping with a full container?

A: Shipping with your own container means that the shipper you are using will hire a container, into which he will place all your belongings. Once all your belongings are in the container the shipper or mover will bring it to the ship. The containers usually come in the following sizes:

There are many advantages to shipping with your own container. For example your container can be locked and sealed in front of you. Your customs agent can see if the seal or lock has been tampered with and notify customs of the problem ahead of time. As long as customs don't open the container you should see the lock and seal intact once it arrives at the final destination.

Another great advantage to the container is that they are so large and have room for big items. A car, motorcycle, or very large painting can easily be placed into the spacious container.

Q: Who will release my possessions from the port?

A: If you ship "door to door" your shipping agent will release your shipment. On the other hand, if you ship only to the port, you will have to find and pay a customs agent to clear your goods for you, and then pay someone to ship your possessions from the port to your new home.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any other questions you may have.